HOW TO CREATE A BUDGET FOR YOUR WEDDING AND WAYS TO SAVE MONEY

We want to make sure you do not get discouraged with planning life events due to costs, so we have gathered a few tips as well as ideas to help with do-It-yourself (DIY) centerpieces and decorations for you that will fit in most budgets.

WHAT ARE THE MOST EXPENSIVE ITEMS WHEN PLANNING A WEDDING OR EVENT?

The main expenses is booking a venue, selecting food and entertainment while planning events. You want to shop around before jumping on the first venue you love. Also please note, during wedding season many price rates go up. That is not a surprise to many however lets cut costs on some of the other details so you can get everything you imagined.

HOW CAN I CUT COSTS AND SAVE MONEY WHEN PLANNING?

The best way to get organized is to make a list of your "Definites" and your "can do with outs". For some this can be cutting down costs on everything and start doingit yourself from stationary down to guest favor instead of hiring people to do each item. Now this does concern me as I have heard stories where more money was spent trying to fix errors. You want to ensure you do not fall into that trap so always stick to what you are best at doing. If you know you are not computer savvy with creating your own stationary i.e. invitations, seating cards, table numbers and any other special message cards you would like to display then this category would go in your "Definites". If you are better at using your hands to create arrangements and craft items then you can put centerpieces and guest favors in the "can do with out" section of your list.

WHO IS IN YOUR LIFE TO HELP YOU?

As your thinking of a concept for your event, start to think who is around you. There are many people in your life for a reason, season and lifetime. We are all born with our own special talent so ask around for suggestions on items you have on your list. You may find people that know caterers and a DJ. If you "pitch" your story to people that are first starting out in the industry, you may be able to get a discount as you would benefit them by giving them the opportunity to have new experience they can add to their portfolio.

WHERE CAN I BUY SUPPLIES TO START DIY PROJECTS?

Places to gather materials for your DIY projects are as follows:

• Jo-Ann Fabrics
• Michael’s Crafts
• Hobby Lobby
• Dollar Tree
• Home Goods
• Marshalls
• www.Save-on-Crafts.com
• Your Home

CAN YOU PROVIDE SOME DIY CENTERPIECE IDEAS?

Most certainly! I spent some time trying to find ideas that will be less costly yet look full on a table without being tacky nor cheap looking. We definitely do not want guests to feel that way once they arrived. Presentation and uniqueness is key to WOW-ing all who attend. Please take a look at the photos displayed. As you can see they are perfect for many different themes. While reviewing the photos, I hope a "light switch" goes off with creative ideas to implement for your event. If not, these are ideal to use as well.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD KNOW?

Things to remember when browsing for items for your event is to always shop around before buying. If you visit different stores, you will get different ideas flowing and this will allow you to compare prices for your "Definites" and "Can do with out" lists. An extra cost saver would be to combine the seating cards with a guest favor. This will reduce the price by half. We all love 2 for 1 deals don't we? Take a look at the many items we have on our shop that are less then 3.00-2.00 dollars each at www.BellaMevents.theaspenshops.com . Items come personalized and packaged. This cuts costs by even more!

THANK YOU!

As always, Thanks so much for stopping in. We hope this information is useful. Please take a look at our other event hubs for many insightful ideas and resources. We appreciate if you can leave us feedback to let us know we have inspired you. Enjoy planning!